Protective Cosmetics

Affordable protection to keep your Lips, Face and Body youthful and healthy. Here, my picks for three products under $40 that should be staples in your beauty bag.

Dear Ceslie:

I have recently decided to completely stay out of the sun. What
are your favorite SPF products?

Beth Cardoza
Miami, FL

Dear Beth:

First of all: YAY! That is one of the best decisions you will ever make. Every top dermatologist in the world will tell you that the sun’s harmful rays are our skin’s worst enemy. Usually, women just think about their face when it comes to sun damage; but, we really need to consider our whole body. Did you know that your skin is the largest organ in your body?!? (not to mention our protective layer!) Protection is key. There are so many incredible products on the market right now containing sunblock. Just be sure to consider applying these products ALL OVER! And, don’t forget your hands. One of the first places we show signs of aging is our hands. I apply sunblock to the top of my hands every morning before I leave the house and continue to moisturize and re-apply all day (after washing). And Beth, promise me you will go to the dermatologist every year for a skin check-up. I do!

Here are some great choices:

Lips:
Sonya Dakar Lip Juice
$7

It’s SPF 15 and blocks UVA & UVB rays. Made with hemp & olive oil, St. John's Wort, vitamin E and a unique blend of essential oils to heal, moisturize and protect lips. Available in Peppymint, Citrus Squeeze and Vanilla Bliss. For daytime, I like to use a matte lip pencil after applying the Lip Juice for a light and natural looking glow.
www.sonyadakar.com

Face:
Bobbi Brown SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer
$39

I can’t live without this! It’s very lightweight and is just slightly tinted. Wear it alone or dust some sheer powder on top. Bobbi also makes a heaver version that’s whipped (sold in a pot) and has SPF 25. She told me about the newer version backstage at New York Fashion Week—I tested it and plan on wearing it during the winter months. It feels divine on the skin!
www.nordstrom.com

Body:
Mario Badescu Body Sunblock SPF 30
$10

This product is available at Mario Badescu—one of the oldest and most respected skin care destinations in New York City--on their website and some Neiman Marcus and other specialty retailers. This body moisturizer is SPF 30 and protects against the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. Enriched with Aloe Vera, Rice Bran Oil and Seamollient, it is super creamy AND soothing to the skin. I love it so much that I gave it to seven of my girlfriends as a July 4th gift! All of their products are amazing and this is a bargain at $10.
www.mariobadescu.com